Ogun State Govt Appoints Adviser On Olokola FTZ Project

The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun.

The Ogun State Governor; Senator Ibikunle Amosun has appointed a new senior  adviser on special project, as part of the state’s commitment to ensuring that the Olokola Free Trade Zone  (FTZ) project , is actualised.

The governor made this known last weekend at the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2013. He was represented by the new appointee; Mr. Lekan Olumosin.

Amosun said the appointment of the special adviser was made last month as part of preparations to kick-start the deep sea port project.

The governor noted that the state has become a ‘Mecca of peace and tranquility which, according to him, his administration is working assiduously to put maximum security in place, a move which he said will attract investors.

He added that the Olokola FTZ must be achieved, stressing that the project is of the benefit for the people of South West and Nigeria in general.

He solicited for suggestions from members of NAGAFF and other stakeholders as part efforts to add value to the Olokola project.

"We are open for discussions, we are open for  people to work or partner with us and we are a listening government, and it is not what you have experienced with the president I can assure you"

"The choice of Ogun state as the venue for the AGM with the theme ‘Free trade zone as a catalyst for international trade distribution and networking’ could not have been mapped out ,this is because the development of the FTZ as an integral part of the growth of commerce is an importance aspect of our administration investment drive", stated.

But speaking specifically on his appointment, the special adviser to the state government on special project; Olumosin said the Olokola FTZ is a mega project.

"The focus on Olokola FTZ which is a gigantic project partners together between Ondo and Ogun states had some challenges at the initial time,  I am in charge to advice the Ogun state government and I was appointed about four weeks ago, immediately after swearing in, I have been looking at the various issues placed at the particular project", he disclosed.

He also lauded the effort of the freight forwarding association for organising the AGM in Abeokuta the Ogun state capital adding that such action underscores the importance of commerce and industry in the state.

The state government also revealed that survey work is on going at the Olokola FTZ and that the government is very serious about the project. 

Earlier in his welcome address, president of NAGAFF; Chief Eugene Nweke said that the choice of the year's theme is borne out of the present Lagos ports facilities that can no longer match the increasing cargo traffic due to the rising demand and supply of finished goods.

He stressed that the saturation of import activities now leads to artificial congestion, lost of man- hour, over-stretched cargo handling equipment and dilapidated road infrastructure.

The NAGAFF president also added that the Olokola FTZ will be a handy alternative feeder facility to cushion the effect of increased traffic volume against inadequate port infrastructure and facilities, due to its proximity to port of Lagos State and the strategic location within the border zones.

He added that the AGM which held in Ogun state is also a morale booster to NAGAFF as a freight forwarding association.

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